De Puniet and Hernandez join regular Gimbert in factory team.
Image: Supplied.
Honda Endurance Racing has signed former MotoGP contender Randy de Puniet for the remainder of the 2018-2019 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in a new-look line-up where he’ll join Yonny Hernandez alongside regular Sebastien Gimbert aboard the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2.
De Puniet has a strong history with Honda, for the LCR Honda team from 2008-2010 in MotoGP where he stood on the podium, and he helped F.C.C. TSR Honda France secure third place at the Suzuka 8 Hours (2016-2017). The 38-year-old has also finished on the EWC podium a further five times, and was the French 125cc Champion in 1998 and a race-winner in the 250cc class of MotoGP.
“I am very happy to return to Honda and ride in EWC for the rest of the 2019 season,” said de Puniet. “I have had past successes in the championship and I think with Honda, and Sébastien and Yonny we will be a very strong team indeed. I am looking forward to the first test and to get going with the Fireblade at Le Mans.”
Hernandez is no stranger to the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 and the championship, having ridden for Honda Endurance Racing on two occasions, where he and the team finished third at the prestigious Bol d’Or 24-hour and the Suzuka 8 Hours. A rider of wide experience, he has raced at world level in MotoGP, Moto2 and WorldSBK.
Gimbert has played an integral part of the Honda team since joining in 2014. Working on the development of the Fireblade, he has helped secured a win and podiums, as well as taking the squad to their highest championship result in third place in the 2017-2018 season.
The opening round of the 2018-2019 EWC got underway last September with the Bol d’Or, and the Honda squad is looking ahead to the remaining four rounds where they will re-focus the strategy to challenge for the championship title. Round two is scheduled on 20-21 April for the 24 Heures Motos in France.
KTM have confirmed that the eagerly anticipated new 790 Adventure will arrive in Australia this June with 790 Adventure retailing for $21,195 ride away, while the slightly more up-spec 790 Adventure R will sell for $22,695 ride away. This week KTM also clarified the pricing of the complete 2019 KTM Adventure Range.
2019 KTM Adventure Range Pricing
2019 KTM 790 Adventure – $21,195 Ride Away
2019 KTM 790 Adventure R – $22,695 Ride Away
2019 KTM 690 Enduro R – $17,595 Ride Away
2019 KTM 1090 Adventure R – $24,295 Ride Away
2019 KTM 1290 Super Adventure / S – $28,395 Ride Away
2019 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R – $29,195 Ride Away
Tam Paul – KTM National Brand Manager
“We have been faced with many external pricing pressures; the Team at KTM Australia has been working hard to minimize the impact to the Rider. In review of currency comparisons we are priced in line with our European counterparts and all models represent exceptional value.”
KTM 790 Adventure
The main differences between the 790 Adventure and its 790 Adventure R siblings are 40mm less suspension travel at both ends, 200mm versus 240mm. Predictably, this also affects seat height, with the 790 Adventure perch at 830-850mm, while the 790 Adventure R is fixed at 880mm.
The 790 Adventure suspension is of the WP APEX specification, while the 790 Adventure R is of XPLOR specification. The differences in those specifications relate to the focus of the suspension tuning, with XPLOR damping and spring rates more focussed on the off-road end of the spectrum. WP also recently released XPLOR PRO and APEX PRO shocks and forks for those that want to take their suspension towards race level performance, these are complete replacement items that can also be purchased from KTM Australia when they become available later in the year.
Along with the aforemention height-adjustable two-part seat, the standard KTM 790 Adventure also gets more wind protection. However the user configurable ‘Rally’ mode that is standard on the R model is an optional extra on the standard Adventure.
Optional add-ons for both models are Quickshifter+ and Cruise Control.
KTM quote 95 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 88 Nm at 6600 rpm for both 790 Adventure models. This is 10 hp down on the stomping 790 Duke streetbike that first utilised this new parallel twin from KTM, but the claimed 88 Nm torque of the 790 Adventure is marginally higher, and at 6600 rpm, that peak twist arrives 1400 rpm earlier than the 790 Duke, which itself boasts prodigious mid-range punch.
LC8c cylinder head
The incredibly small engine packaging (only fractionally larger externally than the 375cc single in the 390 Duke), gives KTM the room to fit a long swingarm and more space for the fuel cell. A special effort was made to have the air-filter easily accessible for cleaning and servicing
Fuel tank extends down the sides of the KTM 790 Adventure
The small engine dimensions also allow for plenty of ground clearance while maintaining a reasonable seat height.
KTM 790 Adventure
Clearance on the 790 Adventure is 233 mm while the 790 Adventure R has 263 mm of clearance.
KTM 790 Adventure R
Seat height on the Adventure is adjustable between 830 and 850 mm while the saddle on the 790 Adventure R is a taller 880 mm.
KTM 790 Adventure R
Both are also claimed to tip the scales at 189kg without their 20-litre fuel cells being topped up.
KTM 790 Adventure Fuel cell
Thus we can extrapolate that the 790 Adventure weighs in at 204kg fully fuelled and ready to ride.
KTM 790 Adventure R
Again those slim and compact engine dimensions have played their part in keeping the fuel low with the tank extending down alongside the engine, similar to what we once saw in the 990 Adventure models some years ago.
KTM 790 Adventure R
KTM claim a fuel range as high as 450 km from the new bikes and while this might be possible when being nursed, realistically a rider will more likely able to count on a 350+ km range in most touring duties.
KTM 790 Adventure
Predictably, KTM owned WP provides the suspension for both bikes.
KTM 790 Adventure WP Shock
Inverted 43 mm forks on the Adventure grow to more premium 48 mm XLPOR forks in the R.
KTM 790 Adventure and Adventure R forks (Right)
Suspension travel at both ends is 200 mm for the Adventure and 240 mm on the R.
KTM 790 Adventure
Both bikes roll on an 18-21 inch spoked rim combination.
KTM 790 Adventure R
Easily adjusted from the left bar-mounted menu switch, the KTM 790 Adventure has different ride modes to enable riders to explore the full potential of the bike.
KTM 790 Adventure
Street, Offroad and Rain riding modes, along with the optional Rally mode (standard on the R), alter the behaviour and feeling of the engine.
KTM 790 Adventure and Adventure R feature radial mount four-piston calipers and 320 mm discs up front and 260 mm rear
Changing a ride mode changes the throttle response, the traction control level and, depending on the mode, the peak power. Rider aids are there to assist you in variable situations, featuring KTM’s MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control), cornering ABS, off-road ABS (deactivating ABS at the rear while front wheel ABS intervention is reduced and data from the lean angle sensor is not considered), an Offroad ride mode and the more advanced Rally mode which enable the rider to adapt the character of the bike more freely.
KTM 790 Adventure
The KTM 790 Adventure is also equipped with the state-of-the-art TFT display. Easily readable in all conditions, the full color, 5″ screen’s configuration is variable and automatically adapts to changes in environmental light.
KTM 790 Adventure
The main information is arranged in a position where the rider can immediately see it, while additional displayed information can be chosen by the rider with the integrated KTM MY RIDE system is integrated. This allows pairing with a smartphone for receiving (or rejecting) phone calls, listening to music and, using the optional app, navigating with on screen turn-by-turn directions along with audio prompts.
2019 KTM Adventure R Technical SpecificationsKTM 790 AdventureKTM 790 AdventureKTM 790 Adventure with luggageKTM 790 AdventureKTM 790 Adventure RKTM 790 Adventure RKTM 790 Adventure RKTM 790 Adventure R
Giovanni Parrilla was born in southern Italy in 1912 but later moved to Milan to begin work as a mechanic working on diesel injection pumps. In 1946 he went into the motorcycle business (dropping one of the ‘r’s from his name) with two new OHC 250cc racing bikes, designed by Guiseppi Salmaggi (ex-Rumi).
1963 Moto Parilla 250 Wildcat
1953 saw the famous “high-cam” motor introduced in 175cc capacity. This had the chain driven cam at the level of the combustion chamber, with very short pushrods operating the overhead valves (some factory race bikes used a gear drive instead of a chain).
The 175 was extremely successful both in Europe, and later in the US where one won the 1958 Daytona 250GP.
1959 175 Gran Sport, the motor of which formed the basis for the 250cc Wildcat
By the beginning of the ‘60s the demand for decent off road competition bikes was growing in the US which resulted in Parilla’s importer Cosmopolitan Motors requesting a bike to fill that void. The company produced the Wildcat in 1961 as their response. This US only model used the high-cam motor enlarged to 250cc.
1963 Moto Parilla 250 Wildcat
Despite costing twice as much as its common class competitor, Triumph’s Tiger Cub, the Wildcat sold well. The lights and tachometer were factory accessories. 26hp at 9,500rpm joined with a weight of 114kg, created a top speed of 135km/h.
Founder David Rollins says those events have not been completely shelved, but they have given birth to this new event.
“We developed a good relationship with the people of Walcha in that time, we’ve earned their trust and now we want to repay it,” he says.
“The town is providing us with first-class facilities so that we can stage an event to remember.”
Among the attractions for the weekend will be a “Hell Climb” hillclimb, custom show, flat-track exhibition racing, stalls, music, outdoor cinema, trade show, globe of death, donuts and burnouts in a closed-off arena.
HOG will have guided rides and HOG members will lead off the Thunder Rally.
Punters will be invited to have a go at the flat track like Brisbane’s Dust Hustle event on a purpose-built track on vacant land next to the town’s racecourse.
“The Freak Show of Motorcycles will be like the Summernats for motorcycles,” David says.
“We’re expecting about 5000 attendees a day for the three days of the event.”
HOGs and more
Thunder Run at the last National HOG Rally in Tamworth
HOG members should be glad to see the return of their national rally.
It was last held in 2015 at Tamworth and followed by open Harley Days rallies at Wollongong in 2016 and 2017.
HOG members were unhappy with the open format so there was no 2018 national rally.
Now the national HOG rally will return at Walcha to run alongside the Freak Show which is described as a festival of motorcycles of all types.
Harley-Davidson Australia customer experience manager Gaz Luxmore says the partnership between the Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles and Harley-Davidson is “a perfect way of bringing together different riding communities and incorporating the national HOG Rally”.
“The lovely, motorcycle friendly town of Walcha and the fantastic roads of central NSW will create a magnificent backdrop for a truly unique and spectacular event,” he says.
Walcha crossroads
Walcha was chosen for the event because it sits at the crossroads of some of the best motorcycling routes in NSW taking in the Oxley Highway, New England Highway, Waterfall Way and Thunderbolts Way.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson says Walcha is “known for being popular with motorcycle tourists”.
The rally will be held in the Walcha racecourse and sale yards with various levels of camping right up to five-star “glamping”.
“All accommodation has been booked out in Walcha already, but there is still heaps in Armidale and Tamworth. Plus we will have on-site camping options from standard tents to Lawrence of Arabia style,” David says.
Shuttle buses to and from events, accommodation and the town centre will be provided.
Harley Owners Group spokesman Andrew Kidd says Walcha is a “reasonable size town with good facilities”.
“Much like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the surrounding towns will be more than able to handle the volume of riders coming to the event,” he says.
“The local roads are renowned as some of the best riding roads in the country so come along and enjoy a great event and some fantastic roads.”
Riders in Walcha at the Royal Cafe
David says the one ticket will gain access to all areas and sites that Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles has to offer.
Tickets go on sale at the end of March and David says they will be “competitively priced”.
David says they have major sponsorship support from Harley-Davidson Australia and the NSW Government’s major events agency, Destination NSW.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall says the motorcycle event will deliver more than $1.7 million in visitor expenditure to the region.
5G phone networks may make autonomous driving and vehicle sensors more sensitive and reliable, but will the faster networks also increase driver distractions?
A Spanish automotive company has demonstrated how 5G capability will improve inter-vehicle communication to detect vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists.
Ficosa used Barcelona’s 5G network to demonstrate its Bitax telematic platform which combines Wi-Fi and cellular technology to operate vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) technology.
V2V and V2X uses sensors in each vehicle to detect the other, or an obstacle and then send alerts to the other vehicle to avoid a collision.
However, Ficosa is the first to launch the technology after connecting 500 vehicles in Denver, Colorado.
In its Barcelona demonstration, Ficosa showed how Bitax could detect a pedestrian via a thermal camera in traffic lights, a cyclist equipped with a “high-precision geolocation” unit and a car stopped by the roadside in low-light conditions.
The company says this proves the tech can also detect other vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists.
“These use cases show how C-V2X technology offers a safer and more comfortable driving experience by allowing the vehicle to communicate with everything around it (other cars, traffic lights, traffic signals, pedestrians, cyclists, motorbikes, etc).
“For cars to ‘talk’ to the city, however, latency must be kept to a minimum. So, it is essential to roll out 5G capabilities.”
That means they need the higher-frequency signals of the next-generation network which has shorter range but less radio interference.
5G advantages/disadvantages
However, there are advantages and disadvantages in the faster network.
Speeds can be up to 10Gbps which is about 1000 times faster than most 4G signals. It is claimed it will download a movie in 10 seconds.
That would make it even faster than the best broadband network.
Great! So drivers will be tempted to watch Netflix instead of paying attention to the road.
Distracted drivers are already a major danger to riders.
Image from St Paul Police Department Facebook page
Apart from Barcelona, 5G has already been rolled out in some parts of the USA, South Korea, Sweden, Estonia, Turkey, Japan and China. Australia is expected to introduce 5G next year.
Samsung and several other Android brands will release 5G phones this year, but Apple will wait until 2020.
While 5G might help with the coming wave of automated and semi-automated vehicles using VC2V and V2X technology, it may not work in remote areas where riders are more likely to travel.
However, like current 4G phones, your next-gen phone will also be able to use previous generation signals for phone calls and data use.
As if the Indian Roadmaster isn’t special enough, the company has released an Elite version with a 600-watt stereo system and gold-leaf paint that took more than 30 hours to paint by hand.
Indian Australia spokesman Christopher Gale says they have already sold one of the $52,995 (ride-away) limited-edition bikes to a Perth customer.
He says they do not yet know when they will be delivered or how many will be available in Australia.
The company has been releasing these special Elite models for the past few years and they have all sold out rapidly.
Last year Indian Motorcycle released a limited-edition Chieftain Elite in a hand-painted and “marbled” silver paint job at $47,995 ride away which was the same price as the 2017 hand-painted Chieftain Elite in Fireglow Red Candy with Marble Accents.
Indian Roadmaster Elite
This range-topping costs $10,000 more than the “standard” Roadmaster and for that you get a whole lot more bike as well as exclusivity which is priceless.
The bike already features a host of features including rider modes, rear-cylinder deactivation, Ride Command infotainment system, heated grips and seat, electronic windscreen and more.
The Elite is hand painted in Wildfire Red and Black Crystal livery with real 24-karat gold-leaf badging that takes about 30 hours.
If the paintwork doesn’t take your breath away, the 600-watt audio system with speakers in the fairing, top box, and saddlebags will.
It also features billet mirrors and passenger floorboards, full leather upholstery right down to the pillion armrests.
Indian will make only 200 of the Roadmaster Elite models.
Meanwhile, Indian Motorcycle Australia is running a promotion on 2018 model bikes, offering a 116ci big-bore kit for free. The kit costs $5250 fitted.
California Heat brings heated gear to the Western Power Sports Lineup.
Begin Press Release:
WPS Announces New Distribution With Heated Gear Manufacturers California Heat
Pylesville, Maryland, February 26, 2019 – California Heat, LLC, a leading manufacturer of heated clothing, is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Western Power Sports, Inc. (WPS) to distribute its diverse catalog of 12V powersport and 7V battery powered heated gear.
Over the last 59 years, WPS has become the fastest growing distributor in powersports due to their outstanding service and product offering coupled with outstanding delivery and distribution.
“We knew from the moment we met the WPS team that the partnership was meant to be,” said Jennifer Ambrose, Director of Corporate Relations. “Both companies have built a family business based on customer care and with consumer feedback driving their solutions. It’s that family feel combined with superior service that makes this partnership successful.”
California Heat offers a lifetime warranty on their heating elements and plugs. Finewire heating elements are composed of interwoven, highly conductive microfibers that have a heavy-duty coating applied. This superior craftsmanship creates an extremely durable product that heats up quickly, ensuring comfortable warmth during any cold weather activity.
“WPS loves the entrepreneurial spirit that companies like California Heat embodies,” National Sales Manager, Ronnie Wehr, explained. “California Heat saw a need in the industry for comfortable heated equipment, developed it, and now with WPS, will be able to distribute it quicker and easier to dealerships throughout North America.”
WPS will begin distributing California Heat’s clothing and accessories throughout the United States and Canada.
About California Heat After accumulating over 20 years of combined experience working for the industry’s leading heated clothing manufacturer, the team realized people were in need of a quality, affordable brand they could trust. A clothing line was designed that incorporated the most Cutting-Edge Technology and Superior Craftsmanship, confidently backed by a Lifetime Warranty. By listening to customer feedback on qualities they enjoyed in a heated brand, then combining it with a passionate belief in personable customer care…California Heat was born. Learn more about California Heat by visiting www.california-heat.com.
About Western Power Sports Boise, Idaho based Western Power Sports (WPS) distributes over 130,000 products; including off-road and street motorcycle, ATV and UTV, snowmobile, and watercraft parts and accessories to dealers nationwide. Currently one of the fastest growing nationwide delivery systems of powersports industry products, WPS distributes products through its regional warehouse network; with locations in Boise, Idaho; Fresno, California; Memphis, Tennessee; Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania; Ashley, Indiana; and Midlothian, Texas. Learn more about WPS by visiting www.wps-inc.com.
Indian Riders Motorcycle Group members from around Australia will head to the nostalgic Cooly Rocks On Festival in Coolangatta from June 5-9.
Indian Motorcycle Australia spokesman Christopher Gale says the Coolangatta festival is a “national gathering at a preexisting event which complements our brand”, rather than a traditional motorcycle rally.
Chris says more details about the IRMG involvement at Cooly Rocks On will be released to members soon.
“It’s still a work in process,” he says.
Cooly Rocks On
Image from Cooly Rocks On Facebook page
Cooly Rocks On is an annual festival of nostalgic music, dancing, cars, motorcycles and fashion from the 1950s to ‘70s.
Indian Motorcycles is a sponsor at this year’s event which has in the past been sponsored by Harley-Davidson.
The event attracts tens of thousands every year to the Gold Coast.
IRMG
IRMG was formed in 2015 and buyers of new Indian motorcycles have since been given free membership.
“A large proportion of our customers join IMRG and continue to renew their membership,” Chris says.
Members receive a gift pack including a special t-shirt, badges and patches.
When it was formed in 2015, brand manager Peter Harvey said the group would not have chapters and presidents.
“We want to keep it fairly informal, but it will depend on how the members want it to go,” he told us.
The Cooly Rocks On gathering follows other major national events to which IRMG members have been invited.
Ian Moss
A highlight was the 2016 “Ride to Alice” for the Finke Desert Race. Among the riders was Cold Chisel guitarist Ian Moss. The ride aimed to raise awareness for the annual Black Dog Ride which Indian Motorcycles has sponsored in recent years.
Members have also been invited to other major events such as the opening of the Perth dealership.
Mostly IRMG members ride together at dealership level.
Now’s your chance to join the 2019 REV’IT! Women’s US ADV Team.
Begin Press Release:
THE SEARCH IS ON! JOIN THE 2019 REV’IT! WOMEN’S US ADV TEAM
Since 2017, REV’IT! Women’s Team members have played an integral role in product testing and brand representation in the ADV community, each through her own interpretation of “adventure riding”—whether that’s rugged, long-distance journeys to backwoods trail rides. The team underscores the brand’s commitment to the growing population of female motorcyclists, and works to highlight women’s contributions to the riding community, specifically the adventure segment.
REV’IT! is looking for two riders to join its US Women’s Adventure Team in 2019. The search is open to woman adventure riders of any age and experience level residing in the continental United States, with the ability to share their gear experiences and a desire to expand female ridership in the ADV community. Interested applicants can visit www.revitsport.com to apply now through March 13, 2019.
COULD IT BE YOU?
“The REV’IT! Women’s ADV team has connected me with so many female riders across the country,” says Amelia Kamrad, who has been on the team since its inaugural year. “I now have a network of amazing women around the country advancing female participation in this sport, and helping to cheer each other on.”
Kamrad will return to the REV’IT! women’s team for the 2019 season alongside Erika Bean and Jenna West, for a team total of five (including the two new members). They will continue to represent REV’IT! at events across the country participate in its product testing program, one which has already yielded feedback to be incorporated into future REV’IT! women’s gear.
Erika Bean calls the team a vehicle for empowerment. “I have gained confidence not just as a rider, but as a female rider in a male dominated sport. Our team presence at rallies and events has contributed to a larger overall shift in attitude: Women are being acknowledged and accepted as adventure riders, too. I encourage all women riders with a passion for motorcycles and adventure to join us in the movement.”
The new team members will have a direct interface with REV’IT! product designers to provide gear feedback, and will receive brand support for individual projects, trips and more.
SHOW US WHAT YOU’VE GOT
Are you an excited, ambitious rider with a penchant for gritty adventures, dirt-packed escapes or just mapping your own course in the world? We’re looking for female adventure riders of any age and experience level who reside in the continental United States and who have the ability to share their gear experiences with a community – whether that’s the ADV world at large, your own local ride groups, or another specialized group you’re tapped into.
CAPTURE THE MOMENT
You’ll need to be able to take a decent photo (or have a pillion rider who does – professional photography skills are not needed, but a decent eye is), and do enough regular riding to put our gear to the test. Most importantly, you should want to expand female ridership in the ADV community!
JOIN US OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Applications for the REV’IT! women’s team are open to residents of the continental United States identifying as women, now through March 13, 2019, at www.revitsport.com. For news and updates on the REV’IT! Women’s ADV team, follow along on the brand social channels, @revitadventure, #revitwomensteam, and facebook.com/revit.
The ICON Spring 2019 collection brings all new gear as well as updates to existing items. Check out the new helmets, comm systems, race suits, jackets, pants, gloves, and women’s gear at rideicon.com.
Begin Press Release:
ICON Motosports SP19
ICON Airform
The newest to the ICON helmet line, the AIRFORM SOLID combines trickle-down technology from our game-changing AIRFRAME PRO and AIRFLITE helmets, delivering top-shelf features for the everyday rider. Such features include a sculpted neck roll to reduce jacket interference, drop-down inner shield, and speaker cutouts in the EPS to accept your Bluetooth communication device speakers. The HydraDry moisture-wicking interior is coupled with deep airflow channeling in the EPS to enhance cooling. Learn more here.
WORLD STANDARD
Meets DOT FMVSS 218 (US), ECE 22-05 (Europe), & PSC (Japan) Helmet Safety Standards. Does not ship with PSC certification stickers unless purchased from an authorized dealer in that country.
SHIELD
Includes Dark Smoke Internal DropShield and Clear quick-change Fog-Free Optics Shield with Prolock shield locking system.
LINER
Hydradry moisture wicking liner.
SHELL
Injection molded polycarbonate shell for strength and durability.
Suggested Retail USD: $185
ICON Hypersport Suit
You can say we have arrived, but the truth is we’ve always been here. Introducing the long-awaited ICON Hypersport suit. Constructed of a 1.1-1.3mm TracSpec leather chassis, ICON Attack Fit (pre-curved arms and legs), reinforced perforation zones, and integrated TPU speed hump, shoulders, elbows & knee caps. The Hypersport includes a full suite of D3O® impact protectors (shoulder, elbow, back, hip & knee). Four-way stretch material and accordion paneling in the flex zones ensure a comfortable and contoured fit in a full tuck position. Neoprene wrists and ankles are designed for ease of use and reduced cuff bulk. The removable, washable liner allows you to keep your gear smelling fresh, even when you don’t. The replaceable knee pucks round out the package, and the OG TPR chest logo lets them know who you’re reppin’. Learn more here.
heating elements are composed of interwoven, highly conductive microfibers that have a heavy-duty coating applied. This superior craftsmanship creates an extremely durable product that heats up quickly, ensuring comfortable warmth during any cold weather activity.
and Clear quick-change Fog-Free Optics